Florida State relying on College World Series experience to help younger players

OMAHA, Neb. -- Florida State is back in the College World Series for the second time in the last three years.

The Seminoles (41-21) made it in 2017 for the first time since 2012, and there wasn't a player on FSU's roster that had experienced the spectacle that is the College World Series.

FSU went 1-2 and was eliminated by LSU 10-7. The Seminoles beat Cal State Fullerton 7-5 in an elimination game to stay alive after dropping its College World Series opener to the Tigers 5-4.

"We had no idea what was going on two years ago being freshmen," FSU third baseman Drew Mendoza said.

"First time here for the whole team two years ago and now we’ve got a little more experience here and we’re going to enjoy it more this year."

Four players on this year's team played in Omaha two years ago. Mendoza, centerfielder J.C. Flowers, starting pitcher Drew Parrish, and reliever Chase Haney played at TD Ameritrade in 2017. Reliever Clayton Kwiatkowski didn't pitch, but was on the roster.

Mendoza hit .363 in the Seminoles' three College World Series games in 2017 with three RBIs and two homeruns. Center fielder J.C. Flowers went 0-4 at the plate with a walk.

Drew Parrish will make his second College World Series start against Arkansas Saturday at 7 p.m.

He started against Cal State Fullerton in 2017 giving up four runs in 5.2 innings. Haney relieved him in the sixth inning and was credited with the win after FSU scored three runs in the top of the seventh.

"I was a freshman and things started speeding up on me, so I didn’t really get to take it all in," Parrish said.

"I do remember that it gets packed out here. It’s a big stadium. A lot energy throughout the game."

If the older player's experience isn't enough, the new players will also be able to rely on their coaches to help them through it.

All three assistant coaches on FSU's roster have played in the College World Series at least once.

Assistant coach Mike Martin Jr. played in the 1994 and 1995 College World Series. Pitching coach Clyde Keller played in the 1989 College World Series. Graduate assistant Tyler Holt played in the 2008 and 2010 College World Series.

Holt hasn't spoken to the team yet about what to expect. He wanted them to enjoy the festivities before he brought them back to business.

"Once the opening ceremonies come to a conclusion that will be the time to take a deep breath and kind of help some guys that seemed overwhelmed," Holt told the Tallahassee Democrat.

"Just, ‘Hey, we’re back on our own schedule on Saturday. It’s just a baseball game with a bigger crowd. You beat Georgia at Georgia. You beat LSU in Baton Rouge. There’s not a bigger stage than that. You’re in the College World Series. You’re one of the eight best teams. You deserve to be here. Play like it.’ I think it’ll take care of itself."

And if that wasn't enough, the players can always rely on coach Mike Martin.

Martin is making his 19th College World Series appearance. He coached first base in 1965 as a player coach. He coached third in 1975 as an assistant.

Martin is making his 17th College World Series appearance as the head coach of the Seminoles in his 40th and final season.

He has his own advice for the 2019 Seminoles.

"I think the big thing is there are no freshmen on our team now," Martin said.

"They've played, gosh, 60 ballgames, so no excuses in that area. I think the preparation is done, as I mentioned, with what has transpired with our team, the way they came together. But you just don't know what's going to happen.

"You just want to go out there and be prepared on a daily basis, and I think that's what our guys need to understand when we play. Just be prepared, understand the nuances of the other team and be prepared for it."